Why Choose Metal Etched Nameplates?

Chemically etched metal nameplates are a popular choice for environments subject to extreme chemicals or weather. These durable nameplates are favoured across various industries for identifying assets and documenting safety procedures, particularly in heavy engineering areas, product manufacturing, and agricultural machinery.

Continue reading to discover why these nameplates are widely used and how they can enhance your company’s asset management.

How Does Metal Etching Work?

Our chemical etching services (also known as photochemical etching) provide a permanent marking solution for metal nameplates, offering significantly greater longevity than surface printing. This process allows for intricate designs due to the precise application of the etching technique. Here’s a detailed description of how it works.

• First, a chemically resistant coating is applied onto the metal to protect areas from the chemical and resist the etching process.
• Next, the rest of the metal is exposed to a mixture of ferric chloride, hydrochloric acid and water, which eats at the metal to create a contrast.
• Additionally, the metal sheet is rinsed to remove any lingering chemicals (including the protective layer)
• Finally, any additional elements applied, such as colouring, polishing and even laser etching marking for unique identification markers.

Benefits of Metal Etching for Nameplates

Alternate materials for nameplates and labels are often not very effective long-term in industrial working environments due to the harsh environments they are exposed to; this is why metal nameplates are a popular choice. But what are the benefits of investing in chemically etched ones?

The etching process works on an incredibly small scale, meaning the designs can be made reliably regardless of complexity. Additionally, unlike other mechanical cutting methods to embed the design, chemical etching doesn’t exert any physical stress on the metal and avoids the deformation of the nameplate as a whole. This results in a cost-effective process for intricate designs that also provides access to various metals to suit the application.

Different Etching Processes for the Best Results

When choosing our chemical etching process, you have two main options: etch alone or etch and colour. Both options are available at GSM Graphic Arts and are compatible with a variety of metals commonly used for nameplates, including all grades of stainless steel and brass.

Etching a Nameplate

Singularly etching a metal nameplate involves using chemical processes to selectively remove material from unprotected areas, creating an incised design in the durable metal. This process results in a subtle two-tone appearance, with all required information permanently etched into the surface. This method is often used for asset identification when the plate needs to be present but not necessarily prominent at all times.

Etch and Colour Infilled Nameplates

Etch and colour-infilled nameplates are slightly more complex than chemical etching alone but offer additional benefits. After the initial etching process, the etched areas are filled with colour, making the information more prominent and easier to identify from a distance. This method enhances the visibility and aesthetics of the nameplate, making it suitable for applications where quick identification is crucial.

This is achieved by using a process similar to silkscreen printing to apply a coloured resin or enamel substance to the etched areas and left to cure. Multiple colour designs are possible as well. The final result is a visually striking metal nameplate often used for commercial purposes such as brand promotion, decoration, or safety information.

Industries That Benefit from Chemically Etched Metal Nameplates

Chemically etched metal nameplates are crucial components across many sectors, especially in industrial settings. Their durability in harsh conditions and ability to support detailed, customised designs make them essential in areas with stringent safety and compliance standards. Here are some examples of industries that benefit from these nameplates:

Marine & Offshore

The required durability and resistance to harsh environmental conditions make metal-etched nameplates a great choice for marine and offshore environments. These nameplates can withstand prolonged submersion in saltwater without corroding, making them perfect for use on ships, oil rigs, and other marine equipment. Additionally, they can be designed to endure extreme temperatures, from the freezing cold of deep-sea environments to the intense heat encountered in engine rooms. With superior resistance to UV rays and sun exposure, metal-etched nameplates remain legible and functional even after years of exposure to harsh marine conditions.

Aerospace and Defence

In these military sectors, they are crucial for the identification of parts, safety information, and compliance with strict regulatory standards. The etching process ensures that vital data remains legible throughout the lifespan of the component despite exposure to high temperatures, chemicals, and mechanical stress.

Medical Devices

Medical industry nameplates are used to present crucial information such as serial numbers, manufacturing dates, and usage instructions on equipment that is frequently subjected to sterilisation processes and harsh cleaning agents. The etching process ensures that this information remains legible and intact, contributing to patient safety and compliance with medical regulations.

Oil and Gas

The oil and gas sector operates in some of the most challenging environments on earth, where extreme pressures, temperatures, and corrosive substances are commonplace. Nameplates here must withstand these conditions while ensuring compliance with safety standards and facilitating easy identification of equipment. The reliable resistances inherent in our chemically etched nameplates, known for their resistance to corrosion and wear, prove invaluable for marking valves, pipelines, and machinery in this hazardous industry.

Chemical etching nameplates are just one of the many excellent labelling solutions we provide here at GSM Graphic Arts.  Browse our extensive selection of label, fascia and plate manufacturing processes online and contact us to find out how we will fulfil the requirements of your next project.